XXXTENTACION’s “17” is a certified classic.
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TOP 5
5. Revenge
Revenge has never sounded so eclectic.
“Revenge” highlights XXXTENTACION’s surprising talent for alternative music. While he may not be Paul McCartney, he manages to channel a similar vibe on this track, demonstrating his versatility in the genre.
The musicality of “Revenge” is impressive! It’s clear that XXXTENTACION put in considerable effort to master the nostalgic sound on this track—it feels far too genuine to be anything but a serious, well-crafted homage.
4. Carry On
“Carry On” features a somber beat, but this time XXXTENTACION tackles s**t with a more aggressive rap style.
Harmonizing often conveys emotion effectively, but sometimes, rapping like XXXTENTACION does on “Carry On” can be just as powerful. On this track, XXXTENTACION confronts his fears directly, delivering his verses with a determined and fearless attitude.
This song will surprise many true Hip hop fans out there.
3. Everybody Dies In Their Nightmares
Have you ever been eaten by 1110 chipmunks in your dreams?
In “Everybody Dies In Their Nightmares,” XXXTENTACION dives deep into his darkest thoughts, presenting a grim and introspective outlook on life. The track carries a heavy sense of hopelessness and despair, as XXX reflects on feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression.
It’s interesting how XXXTENTACION’s fast flow on “Everybody Dies In Their Nightmares” adds a unique layer to the track. His rapid delivery brings an intense, almost frantic energy to the emotional weight of the song, reminiscent of Ludacris’ vintage style.
2. Jocelyn Flores
This song is so good that it made me want to be depressed. Where can I buy 4 ounces of depression?
“Jocelyn Flores” by XXXTENTACION is a hauntingly beautiful track filled with raw emotion and depth. The song, which explores themes of pain, regret, and loss, is inspired by the tragic suicide of XXX’s friend Jocelyn Flores. Through reflective lyrics, XXXTENTACION conveys his internal struggle, guilt, and sorrow over the situation. The chorus features a sample of a woman crying, intensifying the sense of melancholy, while XXX’s verses reveal a complex mix of anger and sadness, exposing the deep turmoil he feels. The track is a powerful expression of vulnerability and speaks to the emotional weight many carry but rarely show.
1. F**k Love (Ft. Trippie Redd)
“F**k Love” is probably the most commercial-sounding track on “17,” and it is still depressing as s**t.
“F**k Love” by XXXTENTACION, featuring Trippie Redd, captures a raw emotional experience over a smooth yet punchy instrumental. With its hard-hitting beats, the track finds XXXTENTACION venting his frustrations with love, echoing sentiments of heartbreak and disillusionment. His delivery, reminiscent of PnB Rock’s melodic style, brings a vulnerable, infectious sound that draws listeners in.
Trippie Redd’s hook on “F**k Love” is a standout moment in the track, precisely because of how effortless and natural it feels. His melodic approach, combined with the raw emotion in his voice, captures the essence of heartbreak without overdoing it.
I don’t even want to know what ‘Love’ did to these two guys (It probably molly-whopped them upside their heads).
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
1. The Explanation (N/A)
2. Jocelyn Flores (5/5)
3. Depression & Obsession (4.5/5)
4. Everybody Dies In Their Nightmares (5/5)
4. Revenge (5/5)
5. Save Me (4.5/5)
6. Dead Inside (Interlude) (4.5/5)
7. F**k Love (5/5)
8. Carry On (5/5)
9. Orlando (4.5/5)
10. Ayala (Interlude) (4.5/5)
OVERALL RATING
(A) (94%)
The intro disclaimer on “17” is spot-on: the album is incredibly intense and unsettling. At the same time, it stands out as a brutally honest project that you’ll either find compelling or deeply relatable.
Although XXXTENTACION made a splash with “Look At Me”—a hardcore rap track that feels reminiscent of contemporary radio hits—he demonstrates his versatility as an artist on 17. Here, X leans heavily on his emotions to shape his music, occasionally channeling influences that range from Paul McCartney to Bob Dylan (a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the idea).
Let’s address the obvious: XXXTENTACION is clearly troubled on this album. Nearly every track carries a somber tone, compelling X to present a deeply depressed version of himself. If you only hear snippets of this album amid a diverse music library, it might not resonate with you. However, if you listen to the album from start to finish, including every interlude, you’ll likely find it much more impactful and enjoyable.
17 is genuinely impressive! It offers a variety of ways to appreciate it. I used to be critical of XXXTENTACION, but this album has really changed my perspective and made me see him in a whole new light.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
